Physical Therapist Job Description Template

From sports injuries to post operative recovery, physical therapists encounter a wide range of patients on a daily basis. Because they provide hands-on treatment — sometimes for patients in a frail physical state — as well as instruction for patients, physical therapists must have the right skills and training to do their job right.

Whether you need a sports physical therapist job description or an inpatient physical therapist job description, the key is making sure that your final product clearly communicates your specific needs while providing candidates with a good picture of the daily tasks for the job.

As you begin your hiring process, consider utilizing the free physical therapist job description template below. With keywords and formatting that are optimized for improved performance, this template can help you connect with the most qualified candidates. If you’d like some additional ideas about what to include, take a look at some of the physical therapist job postings currently on Monster.

Physical Therapist

[Intro Paragraph] We recommend that you introduce your company in this first paragraph with a short marketing summary. You want to help bring the position to life by allowing your potential candidate to imagine what it would be like to work for you. This is your chance to try to sell your company to your ideal candidate and to set your position apart from competing roles.

Physical Therapist Job Responsibilities:

  • Restores patient’s function, alleviates pain, and prevents disabilities by planning and administering medically prescribed physical therapy.
  • Provides quality care by assessing and interpreting evaluations and test results.
  • Determines physical therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians or by prescription.
  • Helps patient accomplish treatment plan by administering manual exercises, giving massages, and using equipment as necessary.
  • Evaluates and records patient’s progress, modifying treatment plans, and trying new treatments if required.
  • Evaluates the use and fit of prosthetic and orthotic devices by observing, noting, and observing patient’s progress; and recommending adjustments and modifications.
  • Documents patient care services by charting in-patient and department records.
  • Instructs patients in proper in-home exercises and therapies.
  • Educates patients and their families about the recovery process and the challenges they will face.

[Work Hours & Benefits] This is a good place to put in a paragraph that describes the work hours and benefits for the job. Be sure to include information about flexible schedules, shift work, and travel requirements. Also describe special perks that you may offer, such as gym discounts, continuing education, childcare reimbursements, and commuter benefits. You may also want to include your physical therapist salary range, as pay transparency from the beginning of your hiring process can often pay dividends for employers and candidates alike.

Physical Therapists Qualifications/Skills:

  • Communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Pleasant bedside manner
  • Motivation skills
  • Time management
  • Complex problem-solving skills
  • Persuasion skills
  • Persistence
  • Service-oriented
  • Instructing and teaching skills
  • Basic computer skills

Education and Experience Requirements:

As you consider what to list for your physical therapist education requirements, keep in mind that adding anything beyond the minimum requirements can have the effect of screening out otherwise qualified candidates. If there are certain requirements that are preferred, rather than required, be sure to clarify that in your physical therapist job description.

  • DPT preferred
  • Licensed as a physical therapist
  • Basic life support (BLS) certification
  • Minimum of one year of physical therapy experience

[Call to Action] At the end of your job description, you need to provide your prospective new hire a call to action. Your advertisement will perform better if you tell the applicant that they can apply by clicking the “apply” button at the top of the advertisement, submitting an application to a specific email address, or by applying on the company website.

Put Your Strong Physical Therapist Job Description to Use Today

Finding candidates who are not only trained, but also the right fit for your organization is never an easy task. As you look for your next physical therapist, consider leveraging the reach and experience of Monster to help you find them. Connect with us today to see how you can get your next job posted for free.